Cubs eliminate Padres and advance to NLDS: Darvish falls, Tatis frustrated

Chicago Cubs Advance to Postseason with Decisive Victory

The Chicago Cubs secured their spot in the next round of the postseason by defeating the San Diego Padres with a score of 3-1 in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series.

The Chicago team, fueled by the fervor of the 40,895 fans present at Wrigley Field, demonstrated a solid defense, which allowed them to advance for the first time since 2017. Pete Crow-Armstrong shined with a producer single against a Yu Darvish who didn’t have his best day, while Michael Busch hit a solo home run. Pitcher Jameson Taillon contributed four scoreless innings, paving the way for five relievers to close out the game.

This group is battle-tested. This group can fight. This group never backs down or shies away from anything. This is something amazing to be a part of.

Dansby Swanson, Cubs Shortstop

Andrew Kittredge secured the save, retiring Jake Cronenworth and Freddy Fermin, after a home run by Jackson Merrill that set off alarms in the ninth inning. The next challenge for the Cubs will be to face the Brewers, champions of the National League Central Division, in a divisional series that promises excitement, starting Saturday in Milwaukee. The Cubs manager, Craig Counsell, who managed the Brewers for nine years before joining Chicago, anticipates an electrifying atmosphere in the matchup.

It’s going to be a great atmosphere. It’s Cubs versus Brewers. That’s going to be the best you can get. There’s always a great atmosphere when the two teams face each other.

Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

For San Diego, the loss meant another setback in their attempt to advance to the World Series, despite having reached the postseason for the fourth time in six years. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado failed to shine in the decisive game, and pitcher Yu Darvish struggled, being replaced after the first four Cubs batters reached base in the second inning. Jeremiah Estrada, who entered in relief, issued a walk with the bases loaded, giving the Cubs a 2-0 lead. The Cubs relied on a solid performance from their bullpen and effective defense, including an outstanding play by Dansby Swanson and a crucial catch by Crow-Armstrong. Michael Busch expressed that the team is focused on moving forward and celebrating each achievement, aware that there is still work to be done.